LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif said that the provincial government was taking revolutionary measures for provision of modern education, health and other basic amenities to the masses at their doorstep, adding that billions of rupees had already been utilised for the purpose. He added that the provincial government had proved to be a “model of good governance” through its public-welfare projects.

He said this in a meeting with assembly members of different districts on Tuesday.

Pace of development projects and public welfare schemes was the focus of discussion at the meeting. Opposition leader in the National Assembly (NA) Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan was also present on the occasion.

The CM said that the basic aim of the current government was to raise the living standards of the masses so that each citizen could live with dignity and honour.

He said the Punjab government had attached special importance to the projects aimed at welfare of masses and social uplift during the last four years.

Shahbaz said that credit for development of underdeveloped areas, especially southern Punjab, went to the Punjab government, which allocated special funds for this purpose.

A larger share than that set in the quota had been given to the people coming from these areas under the Danish School System, Yellow Cab Scheme and Self-Employment Programme, Shahbaz said, adding that establishment of the Danish Schools was a revolutionary step that would allow children from poor and destitute families to freely access modern academic facilities.

He also said that free educational facilities were being provided to 1.1 million deserving students through funds from the Punjab Education Foundation. He said that educational projects of the Punjab government were aimed at sparking a social revolution and raising living standards of the poor.

The CM further highlighted the Ashiana Housing Scheme, saying it had provided homes to thousands of poor and shelter-less citizens. He claimed that the socio-economic condition of the masses had improved due to the steps taken by the Punjab government.

Those who met the CM on Tuesday also included Rana Nazir Ahmed, Waseem Akhter Sheikh and Adil Hussain Utra.